Local artists gathered at the Carletonville Civic Centre on Monday, 13 July, following a call for a meeting hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in partnership with the Gauteng Federation of Community Arts Centres.

The meeting aimed to address challenges facing artists in the Merafong area and introduce opportunities available through the newly established federation.

Guest speakers explained that the federation, which has been operating for two years, has already implemented five programmes in Tshwane, three in the West Rand and seven in Ekurhuleni to empower artists. They also announced that the federation will no longer appoint community arts centres directly. Instead, a fair application process will be introduced for funding opportunities.

Artists were informed that a budget of R3.5 million has been allocated and that each of Gauteng’s five corridors must establish a substructure. The West Rand consists of four regions.

The federation said its mission is to expand arts programmes through community arts centres across all corridors. The next phase will involve engaging the national government to identify and renovate suitable buildings into community arts centres in Merafong, making them more accessible to local artists who often face transport challenges.

Representatives from the Gauteng Organisation of Community Arts and Culture Centres (GOMACC) also addressed the gathering. They encouraged artists to market themselves professionally and outlined the organisation’s support services, including assistance with funding applications. GOMACC has been appointed as an implementing agency to help ensure that funding is managed responsibly.

The meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by the election of four Merafong representatives who will serve on the West Corridor structure, which will ultimately comprise 10 members.

The following artists were elected by those present:

• Tshegofatso Mosadi
• Michael Mahlalela
• King Khai
• Vibration Taylor

The leadership team for the West Corridor was also introduced, after which contact details were shared with attendees before the meeting ended peacefully.